City names federal programs director

LaParry Howell

LaParry Howell, 32, has been named the city of Tuscaloosa's director of federal programs

submitted photo

By Jason MortonStaff Writer

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 2:25 p.m.

LaParry Howell, who has served as the office's interim director since the city's Office of Economic Development was realigned last year, on Friday was named director of the office that oversees state and federal funding through offices and programs such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Community Development Block Grant program.

LaParry Howell

LaParry Howell, 32, has been named the city of Tuscaloosa's director of federal programs

submitted photo

"I truly consider this as an honor. I never imagined at the age of 32 that I would be where I am in my career," Howell said. "My strong passion and desire for helping people and enriching communities has shaped my career path and helped me get to where I am today. For that, I am truly grateful."

Hailing from Frankville in Washington County, Howell came to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama, from which he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in public administration.

Howell came to City Hall in 2004 as a city planner in the Office of Planning and Economic Development under Bill Snowden, the office's former director.

He later was named community development program manager, where he managed the city's Community Development Block Grant Program, which included strategic planning of yearly projects, until the Office of Planning and Economic Development was realigned after Snowden's resignation last year.

Since then, Howell has served as the interim director of the newly-created Office of Federal Programs, a role that allowed him to witness a shrink in funding for the city's federal-based programs despite constant, if not rising, demand.

These challenges did not deter Howell from seeking the director's office, however, and he was chosen for the position from a pool of 39 applicants.

"Although federal resources for community development are limited and insufficient to address all of the needs in most areas, we are working and will continue to work daily to address the highest needs of the community through more public involvement," Howell said.

Mayor Walt Maddox, who made the final decision to hire Howell for the directorship, expressed no doubts in Howell's capabilities to lead the office.

"LaParry has been very successful while serving as acting director, receiving praise from our community and HUD for his leadership," the mayor said. "I'm confident he will continue to lead this program to continued success."

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